EPL survival battle takes a twist

FOOTBALL: Relegated Sunderland's 2-0 win at Hull City and Swansea City's 1-0 home victory over Everton has turned the fight for survival at the bottom of the English Premier League on its head.

The Tigers had the chance to pull five points clear of the Swans but goals from Billy Jones and Jermain Defoe earned the Black Cats a first success in 11 games and ended Hull's unbeaten home run under manager Marco Silva.

In the later game Swansea dominated for long periods against Everton but only had Fernando Llorente's header in the first half to show for it.

Jordan Ayew hit the post and Llorente missed another header before Everton almost sneaked a point when former Swansea captain just failed to get on the end of a flick from Kevin Mirallas.

Hull is now a point behind Swansea in the third relegation spot with two games remaining.

The results also means Middlesbrough will be relegated if it fails to win at Chelsea on Tuesday morning (EST).

Manchester City dragged Crystal Palace back into relegation trouble with a 5-0 win.

Palace is now in 16th spot and not out of danger following three consecutive defeats.

City climbed over Liverpool (which played Southampton overnight) into third.

Champions Leicester City, meanwhile, finally secured EPL safety with a 3-0 win over Watford, while Stoke City and Bournemouth will also be in the top division next season after a 2-2 draw at Dean Court.

Burnley is not mathematically safe after it also drew 2-2 at home to West Bromwich Albion.